Massaging device

ABSTRACT

A massaging device comprises an array of inflated elements which are adapted to deflate under external pressure. Motive means are provided to move the array of elements past a body portion to be massaged. A respective element, as it is distorted, rolls over the body and provides a massaging action. When the applied force ceases, the element, having a yieldable enclosure, reinflates to its normal size.

0 United States Patent 1151 3,662,749 Simjian [451 May 16, 1972 [541 MASSAGING DEVICE 2,014,022 9/1935 Klein ..'.l28/57 ux 1,264,666 4/1918 Ljungstrom ..l28/57 X [72] Invent l' Sim", 7 Laurel Lane Grem- 2,543,493 2/1951 Gaudette et al. ..12s/5s WlCh, Conn. 06830 122 Filed: Dec.2l, 1970 Primary Examiner-h pp Attorney-Ervin B. Steinberg [21] Appl. No.: 100,165

[57] ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl ..l28/58 A massaging device comprises an array of inflated elements [51] Int. Cl. ..A61h 11/00 which ar adapte o defla under ex ernal pressure. Motive 581 Field of Search 128/57, 58, 24.3, 67 means are Provided to move the array of elements p a y portion to be massaged. A respective element, as it is 56] References Cited distorted, rolls over the body and provides a massaging action.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Hans ..l28/57 X When the applied force ceases, the element, having a yieldable enclosure, reinflates to its normal size.

22 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEnMAY 16 I972 3.662. 749

SHEET 1. OF 2 LUTHER G. SIMJIAN INVENTOR.

BY: En; M

PAIENTEnm 16 m2 3. 662,749

sum 2 BF 2 FIG. 8 24 J 1 70 i J /86 64 il: 0 I 72 0 74 LUTHER G. SIMJIAN INVENTOR.

MASSAGING DEVICE This invention relates to a massaging device and comprises an array of normally inflated yielding elements which'are brought into contact with certain portions of the human body which are to be subjected to a massaging action. The elements, under the influence of the externally applied forces, yield and provide an extensive and thorough massaging action as they are moved underneath such body portions.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a massaging device which is simple, durable and of relatively inexpensive construction, easily operated, efficient in operation, and which adjusts itself to effectively massage any part of the human body.

A further object of this invention is to provide a massaging apparatus which thoroughly kneads or manipulates the flesh and providing to the flesh a succession of undulations as the body rests on a supporting structure. 7

Further and still other objects of this invention will be more clearly apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a detailed view of certain portions in FIGS. land FIG. 4 is an elevational view depicting certain constructional features indicated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a further detailed view showing the mounting of the individual massaging element's;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view showing a further embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of certain portions of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

Referring now to the figures and FIGS. 1 through 6 in particular, there is shown a table or cot-like structure 10 which includes a tubular frame 12 which is bent to exhibit vertically and horizontally disposed portions. The vertical portions serve as legs to support the structure spaced from the floor, and the horizontal portions serve to form the cot-like structure. An enclosure 14 is welded to the horizontal portion of the tubular frame, as is clearly seen in FIG. 2. The massaging device includes, further, a headrest 16 which rests on the frame or alternatively on a top shelf of the housing 14, see FIG. 2. Furthermore, there are provided one or moreshelves l8 and 19 which may be fixed, slidable or removable. The shelves are provided to support various portions of the body which are not to be massaged when a person receiving a massage is lying on the cot-like structure withthe head restingon the headrest 16. For instance, the shelf 18 may be placed under the shoulder blades and the shelf 19 maybe placed in position to support the ankles and knees.

The massaging device will be more clearly apparent by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. A plurality of parallel tubings 20, each spaced from the other, are mounted between a set of spaced endless chains 22. Each tubing 20 is provided with a plurality of inflated, yieldable elements 24. In a typical example, molded rubber spheres inflated with air at ambient pressure are used. The enclosure of the elements is sufficiently thick and strong to cause it to assume the spherical shape in the absence of an external force and restore itself to this shape if an external force, which has caused a distortion, ceases. As Seen in FIG. 6 the tubing 20 passes through the center of the respective elements 24. Each element 24 is molded with an annular extension 25 which fits over the outside of the associated tube 20 and is sealed to the tubing by either separate to ambient and as soon as the external force ceases to be effective, ambient air re-enters the interior of the element by flowing through the inside of the tubing 20 and the orifice 26, thus re-inflating the previously distorted element. In an alternative embodiment, each of said elements 24 may be provided with an'orifice means along its respective enclosure.

The chains 22 are mounted upon a set of spaced sprockets 26 and 28, see FIG. 4, and one of the sets of sprockets is driven by a motor 30 via a belt 32 and a pulley 34. The sprocket 26 is mounted on a shaft 40 and the sprocket 28 and pulley 34 are mounted upon a shaft 42. Each of these respective shafts, of course, is provided with two sprockets, one of the respective sprockets being not visible when viewing FIG. 1. The shafts 40 and 42 are supported by bearings in the housing 14 as is well known to those skilled in the art.

In order to suitably support the transverse tubings 20 within the chains 22, there is provided at predetermined distances along the chains a respective ear 44, FIG. 3, which receives the respective tubing 20. Moreover, in order that the massaging elements 24 provide a proper massaging action as opposed to being frictionally slided along in contact with the flesh of the person, each tubing 20 is mounted for rotation in the ear 44. Instead of providing bearings such as sleeve bearings or ball bearings, a sliding fit between the tubing and ear aperture usually will be adequate for this purpose. Thus, as a respective element 24 engages a person and is distorted by the externally applied force, air is discharged from the interior of a respective element through an orifice26 in the tubing 20 and simultaneously the element 24 rotates or rolls over the flesh of the person.

A shelf 13, FIG. 2, is provided in order to prevent sagging of the array of tubings and the associated massaging elements 24. The shelf serves as a support for the chains 22 as the chains are rotated about the fixed centers of shafts 40 and 42. In an alternative construction, the chains 22 may be replaced by flexible bands.

In summary then, a person wishing to receive a massaging action places himself upon the structure 10 and permits contact of flesh portions with the massaging elements 24 which pass underneath. As each of the elements 24 is urged into contact with the exposed body portion of the person, the external force distorts the respective element 24 and fluid, in this case air, is vented from the interior of the element via the respective aperture 26 and tubing 20 to ambient. The relatively slow escape of the air causes intimatecontact between the yieldable and resilient enclosure of the element with the flesh. After the'respective element has passed and the external distorting force ceases, air from ambient through the openends of the tube 20 re-enters the spherical massaging element via the aperture 26. As has been described, each of the elements 24 when in contact with the person and while being distorted and exerting a massaging pressure rolls over the body portion with which it is in contact. In order to enhance the massaging action, the motor 30 may be provided with a variable speed control thereby permitting the massaging action to be-more or less intense.

An alternative construction of a massaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. A table or cot-like structure 60 includes a tubular frame 62. A set of gears 64 and 66 are fastened to shafts 68 and 70 which are supported in bearing supports 72 and 74. The gears 64 and 66 mesh as seen in FIG. 8. Also mounted to the shafts 68 and 70 are respective disks 80, 82 and 84 and 86. A plurality of tubes 20, substantially identical with those seen in FIGS. 1 through 6 are mounted between the respective disks and 82 and 84 and 86, see FIG. 8. The tubings 20 are mounted along the periphery of the respective disks to form, once again, an array. Each of the tubings20 is fitted with a plurality of massaging elements 24 as has been described heretofore. A motor via a suitable belt 92 rotates a pulley 94 which is fastened to the shaft 68. Therefore, the gear 64 will rotate, for instance, in a clockwise direction while the gear 66 rotates in the counter clockwise rotation and the arrays of tubings and massaging elements will move from the outside toward the center between the two arrays. It should be noted that in the present embodiment the respective arrays require the staggering of the individual massaging elements 24 of two adjacent tubings. That is, as the two arrays move toward each other and meet near the center the massaging elements must be staggered for the purpose of providing clearance with each other. Such a staggering has been shown also in FIG. 5 but the purpose in that instance is to avoid extensive areas or gaps where no massaging action would occur.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the above apparatus provides a most effective and intense massaging action which will be found most helpful for therapeutical action as well as for stimulating blood flow and general well feeling. Moreover, it should be noted that while electric motor means have been shown for providing motive action other means may be employed including operator driven means such as bicycle pedal means for the purpose of combining a massaging action with the expenditure of muscle power.

What is claimed is:

1. A massaging device comprising:

an array of fluid-filled elements, each such element having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force acting upon its respective surface has a predetermined shape;

orifice means associated with each of said elements for providing for fluid to be discharged from a respective element responsive to the enclosure of such element being distorted by an external force acting thereupon and causing a reduction of its volume, and for returning fluid to the element when such force ceases and the enclosure resumes its predetermined shape, and

means for causing relative motion between said elements forming said array and a body in contact therewith, whereby upon a respective element being urged into contact with the body the enclosure of such element is yieldably distorted from its predetermined shape and the fluid while being discharged through said orifice means exerts by means of said enclosure a yielding pressure upon the body for causing a massaging effect.

2. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with a gaseous medium.

3. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with air.

4. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with air and said orifice means establishing a fluid passage with ambient. 5. A massaging device as set forth in claim 4, said array comprising an array of transverse tubings spaced from another; each tubing supporting at least one of said elements by passing substantially through the center of such element, and each respective element being sealed to the associated tubing at the location where the tubing passes into and out of the element; the tubing having respective orifice means for establishing communication between ambient air pressure and the inside of the associated element, and said means causing motion being coupled to said array of tubings for providing motion of said tubings past said body.

6. A massaging device as set forth in claim 5, and including means for supporting said tubings, and each of said tubings being rotatable in said supporting means.

7. A massaging device as set forth in claim 6, said means for supporting said tubings being coupled to means adapted to rotate about a set of fixed centers.

8. A massaging device as set forth in claim 6, said means supporting said tubings being adapted to rotate about a fixed center.

9. A massaging device comprising:

means for supporting an array of spaced tubings in substantially parallel alignment, each tubing being mounted for rotation about its axis in said means for supporting;

a plurality of fluid-filled elements mounted upon each of said tubings, each of said elements having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force thereupon has a predetermined inflated shape;

orifice means disposed on said tubings and coacting with each of said elements for providing for fluid to be discharged from a respective element responsive to the enclosure of such element being distorted by an external force acting thereupon and causing a reduction of its volume, and for causing the return of fluid to the element when such force ceases;

means for causing relative motion between said means for supporting and a body at rest, and

support means disposed for supporting a body in contact with said elements.

10. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, each of said tubings passing substantially through the center of a plurality of said elements; said orifice means comprising respective apertures in each of said tubings, and each aperture establishing communication between ambient and the interior of a respective element.

11. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, the elements of adjacent tubings being staggered.

12. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said means for causing relative motion including adjustable speed means.

13. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said elements being of generally spherical shape.

14. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said elements being made of molded rubber.

15. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, each of said elements having a pair of annular extensions fitting over the outside of the associated tubing and being sealed thereto.

16. A massaging device comprising:

a frame;

a set of spaced sprockets adapted to rotate about respective fixed centers supported by said frame;

a pair of endless chains supported by said sprockets and adapted to move responsive to motion imparted to at least one of said sprockets, said chains being disposed in spaced substantially parallel alignment;

a plurality of tubings;

means coupled to said chains for rotatably supporting said tubings in spaced parallel alignment, said tubings traversing the space between said chains;

at least one air-filled element supported by each of said tubings, each of said elements having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force acting thereupon has a predetermined shape;

orifice means provided on each of said tubings for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element' when said external force ceases;

means coupled to one of the said sprockets for rotating said sprockets whereby to impart translating motion to said chains, tubings and elements, and

means coacting with said frame for supporting a body to be massaged in contact with said elements.

17. A massaging device as set forth in claim 16, said means coacting with said frame comprising a shelf.

18. A massaging device as set forth in claim 16, said means coacting with said frame comprising a plurality of shelves, at least one being movable.

19. A massaging device as set forth in claim 16, each of said tubings supporting a plurality of said elements, and the elements of adjacent tubings being in staggered alignment.

20. A massaging device comprising:

a set of spaced wheels having a common axis;

a plurality of tubings disposed peripherally about said wheels, said tubings traversing the space between said wheels, and the axis of each tubing being substantially parallel to said common axis;

a plurality of air inflated massaging elements supported by each of said tubings, each element having a yieldable enclosure;

orifice means coacting with each of said elements for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force of sufficient magnitude acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element when said force ceases, and

means coupled for rotating said wheels.

21. A massaging device comprising:

a pair of parallel shafts; v

a pair of wheels mounted in spaced relation upon each respective shaft;

a plurality of tubings disposed'peripherally about each pair of wheels, said tubings traversing the space between the respective pair of wheels and the axis of each tubing being substantially parallel to the axis of said shafts;

a plurality of air inflated massaging elements supported by each of said tubings, each element having a yieldable enclosure;

orifice means coacting with each of said elements for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force of sufficient magnitude acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element when said force ceases, and

means coupled for causing said shafts to rotate in opposite direction, said shafts being spaced from one another in such a manner to cause the massaging elements rotated by the respective wheels to cyclically approach each other.

22. A massaging device as set forth in claim 21 and gear means coupling said shafts to each other. 

1. A massaging device comprising: an array of fluid-filled elements, each such element having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force acting upon its respective surface has a predetermined shape; orifice means associated with each of said elements for providing for fluid to be discharged from a respective element responsive to the enclosure of such element being distorted by an external force acting thereupon and causing a reduction of its volume, and for returning fluid to the element when such force ceases and the enclosure resumes its predetermined shape, and means for causing relative motion between said elements forming said array and a body in contact therewith, whereby upon a respective element being urged into contact with the body the enclosure of such element is yieldably distorted from its predetermined shape and the fluid while being discharged through said orifice means exerts by means of said enclosure a yielding pressure upon the body for causing a massaging effect.
 2. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with a gaseous medium.
 3. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with air.
 4. A massaging device as set forth in claim 1, said fluid-filled elements being filled with air and said orifice means establishing a fluid passage with ambient.
 5. A massaging device as set forth in claim 4, said array comprising an array of transverse tubings spaced from another; each tubing supporting at least one of said elements by passing substantially through the center of sUch element, and each respective element being sealed to the associated tubing at the location where the tubing passes into and out of the element; the tubing having respective orifice means for establishing communication between ambient air pressure and the inside of the associated element, and said means causing motion being coupled to said array of tubings for providing motion of said tubings past said body.
 6. A massaging device as set forth in claim 5, and including means for supporting said tubings, and each of said tubings being rotatable in said supporting means.
 7. A massaging device as set forth in claim 6, said means for supporting said tubings being coupled to means adapted to rotate about a set of fixed centers.
 8. A massaging device as set forth in claim 6, said means supporting said tubings being adapted to rotate about a fixed center.
 9. A massaging device comprising: means for supporting an array of spaced tubings in substantially parallel alignment, each tubing being mounted for rotation about its axis in said means for supporting; a plurality of fluid-filled elements mounted upon each of said tubings, each of said elements having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force thereupon has a predetermined inflated shape; orifice means disposed on said tubings and coacting with each of said elements for providing for fluid to be discharged from a respective element responsive to the enclosure of such element being distorted by an external force acting thereupon and causing a reduction of its volume, and for causing the return of fluid to the element when such force ceases; means for causing relative motion between said means for supporting and a body at rest, and support means disposed for supporting a body in contact with said elements.
 10. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, each of said tubings passing substantially through the center of a plurality of said elements; said orifice means comprising respective apertures in each of said tubings, and each aperture establishing communication between ambient and the interior of a respective element.
 11. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, the elements of adjacent tubings being staggered.
 12. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said means for causing relative motion including adjustable speed means.
 13. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said elements being of generally spherical shape.
 14. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, said elements being made of molded rubber.
 15. A massaging device as set forth in claim 9, each of said elements having a pair of annular extensions fitting over the outside of the associated tubing and being sealed thereto.
 16. A massaging device comprising: a frame; a set of spaced sprockets adapted to rotate about respective fixed centers supported by said frame; a pair of endless chains supported by said sprockets and adapted to move responsive to motion imparted to at least one of said sprockets, said chains being disposed in spaced substantially parallel alignment; a plurality of tubings; means coupled to said chains for rotatably supporting said tubings in spaced parallel alignment, said tubings traversing the space between said chains; at least one air-filled element supported by each of said tubings, each of said elements having a yieldable enclosure which in the absence of an external force acting thereupon has a predetermined shape; orifice means provided on each of said tubings for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element when said external force ceases; means coupled to one of the said sprockets for rotating said sprockets whereby to impart translating motion to said chains, tubings and elements, and means coacting with said frame for supporting a body to be massaged in contact with said elements.
 17. A massagIng device as set forth in claim 16, said means coacting with said frame comprising a shelf.
 18. A massaging device as set forth in claim 16, said means coacting with said frame comprising a plurality of shelves, at least one being movable.
 19. A massaging device as set forth in claim 16, each of said tubings supporting a plurality of said elements, and the elements of adjacent tubings being in staggered alignment.
 20. A massaging device comprising: a set of spaced wheels having a common axis; a plurality of tubings disposed peripherally about said wheels, said tubings traversing the space between said wheels, and the axis of each tubing being substantially parallel to said common axis; a plurality of air inflated massaging elements supported by each of said tubings, each element having a yieldable enclosure; orifice means coacting with each of said elements for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force of sufficient magnitude acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element when said force ceases, and means coupled for rotating said wheels.
 21. A massaging device comprising: a pair of parallel shafts; a pair of wheels mounted in spaced relation upon each respective shaft; a plurality of tubings disposed peripherally about each pair of wheels, said tubings traversing the space between the respective pair of wheels and the axis of each tubing being substantially parallel to the axis of said shafts; a plurality of air inflated massaging elements supported by each of said tubings, each element having a yieldable enclosure; orifice means coacting with each of said elements for causing air to be discharged from the respective element responsive to an external force of sufficient magnitude acting upon its surface and for returning air to said element when said force ceases, and means coupled for causing said shafts to rotate in opposite direction, said shafts being spaced from one another in such a manner to cause the massaging elements rotated by the respective wheels to cyclically approach each other.
 22. A massaging device as set forth in claim 21 and gear means coupling said shafts to each other. 